Day: May 12, 2022

Weekly Previews

Week’s top-10 for May 16: a flock of finales

1) “American Idol” (shown here) finale, 8-11 p.m. Sunday, ABC. In a week stuffed with finales, this is a big one – naming the 20th “Idol” winner. We’re far from the days when “Idol” topped the ratings and its winners (Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood) became stars. But this is still ABC’s most-watched show and is second only to “The Bachelor” for ages 18-49; its ratings declined moderately this year, while others plunged. Tonight, we can expect performances by guests and the contestants … and then a winner. Read more…

By Mike Hughes / May 12, 2022
Daily Best Bets

Best-bets for May 14: “Top Gun” tops a big movie night

(This is an improved version of the five TV best-bets for Saturday, May 14, adding CNN’s “Navalny” rerun. It moves No. 3 to the No. 5 spot, where it adds “Navalny”; the others move up to 3 and 4.)

1) “Top Gun” (1986), 8-10:30 p.m., CBS. Tom Cruise’s career was off to a good start, with a dandy comedy (“Risky Business”) and some dramas. Then this film shot it into the stratosphere. Playing a cocky pilot, Cruise was surrounded by director Tony Scott’s flashy visuals, plus soaring music, macho-guy dialog and strong support from Anthony Edwards, Meg Ryan, Val Kilmer, Kelly McGillis and more. The result was the year’s top box-office draw; it’s back, two weeks before its sequel reaches theaters.
Read more…

By Mike Hughes / May 12, 2022